Cole scanned the premises, his eyes roaming in concern as Elizabeth remained nowhere in sight. Miguel, standing a few feet away, appeared equally anxious, his gaze darting around. Cole checked his watch—7:25 p.m. They were running out of time.
“I’ll check inside the hall for her,” Cole said firmly, already moving toward the entrance.
Miguel nodded, his expression serious. “I’ll stay here and keep looking around.”
Pulling out his phone, Miguel tried calling Elizabeth again. The line rang, but no one picked up.
"Damn it!" He cursed under his breath, his unease growing as he dialed her number again. Still no answer.
Miguel paced the perimeter, his phone still in hand. He could hear Cole's voice calling for Elizabeth.
Suddenly, a sharp, metallic sound echoed from the hall, followed by
